France 2008

Millau, 12-13 June

		There were many of these signs along the highways, showing where people had been killed and their ages. *
		On the way from Le Puy, we stopped at Châteauneuf-de-Randon, a small and pretty village where we had a drink. This is the town hall. †
		Closeup of the sundial. †
		Heroic French statue of a genuine French hero. Bernard du Guesclin was born at Dinan in 1320. After leading the French to victory in various battles against England and Spain, he died of dysentery in 1380 while besieging the English at Châteauneuf-de-Randon. The English surrendered, but du Guesclin's last victory was posthumous. Which is why Châteauneuf has this statue of him in its square. †
		The last part of the journey to Millau was along the Gorges du Tarn, a deep canyon worn by the Tarn river. This is the drop from the plateau to the gorge near the town of Ste-Énemie. *
		The road into and along the gorge is one of the most scenic in France. *
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		Our accommodation was some 3 km out of Millau, in the genuine Château de Creissels, which has been around in one form or another since the 9th century. *
		Our reason for visiting Millau was to see the glorious Viaduc du Millau, carrying the A75 autoroute across the valley of the river Tarn and replacing some 15 km of difficult road down and escarpment, through Millau, and then up an escarpment. *
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		There were poppies growing by the field near the viaduct lookout. *
		Millau town seen from the lookout. †
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		We took a boat ride from Creissels down the Tarn to see the viaduct from below. †
		A small turtle in the river. *
		The viaduct from below. *
		The village of Peyres, where the boat dropped us for a bus to take us back to Creissels. *
		The viaduct at dusk. *
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From Millau, we went through some rugged country to reach L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.